Must See Video!
I have eight kids and I understand that time is precious. I don't like to waste time online, so if you are going to spend time anytime on theMangoTimes today, believe me this is worth the four minutes you will invest.
G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
"You Already Have an A!"
Several weeks ago, The Resurgence posted an audio and video recording of Tullian Tchividjian from the "Our Fathers and Our Future" conference called "Evangelical, Missional, and Christ-Centered. The entire message is worth the hour it will take for you to look or listen to it. Seriously, it is rich with reminders of where we as Christians find our life. Here's a clip from the very end of Tchividjian's talk that recommunicates what the gospel message says.
Enjoy:
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Do you have Easter plans?
Join us for Easter morning on Sunday, April 24th @ 10AM (9AM for a free pancake breakfast) at Graceada Park in Modesto, CA.
Easter 2011 from Redeemer Modesto on Vimeo.
We have been attending Redeemer for the past six months and I can honestly say that I have never been in a church that communicates the gospel so consistently and effectively.
Seriously.
Are you continuing to look for your acceptance, security, value, and worth in stuff (read: junk)? Are you searching desperately to find peace in religious behavior (read: how to behave like a Christian)? Or maybe you are like me, I spent years suffering from "gospel amnesia." I began trusting more in systematics than a savior. Evangelism was more about telling people what I had done and how I lived than what Christ had accomplished and how He lives in me!
This is no bait and switch. Come worship with us on Sunday April 24th at 10AM. Learn about Jesus. Hear the Gospel. Find out how the same power that conquered the grave can live in you!
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Reluctant Evangelists
Found this morning on the Reformissionary blog.
Here are five of the "Ten Commandments for Reluctant Evangelicals." I found these particularly insightful, especially as I consider the lack of passion for evangelism I've seen over the years among myself and others in the reformed church.
- Shut the lid on your computer.
- Get out among people. When Jesus saw the crowds he was moved with compassion.
- Set aside a regular time/s each week to share the gospel. Don’t come home until you do.
- Be accountable to someone to stay on track.
- Spend time with people who share their faith and make disciples. Learn from them and catch their heart.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Piper on the New Reformed Movement
Even so, over the past year, I've found myself more and more disappointed with a few crazy behaviors I have seen among some that call themselves "reformed Christians." Yes I know they are sincere, but it just seems like they are pushing the pendulum to the hilt as they embrace this system of theology. WARNING: Blanket Statement Coming - In a system of faith that focuses on recovering the gospel, it sure seems to me like many of them have checked the gospel at the door for a formula of "how-to" Christianity.
That's not all, because along with the "how to behave" message comes an attitude of spiritual elitism that takes their message a step further to "how you should behave more like me."
This has been rattling around in my head for the past year or so. I've blogged here and there about it. Providentially, I stumbled across this video response on the Desiring God blog. Here, John Piper answers the question: "What cautions do you have for the New Reformed Movement?" His answer sums up what I have been thinking. It's an old video and I'm not sure how I missed it, but I'm glad I found it today.
Desiring God Video: Piper RespondsQuietly making noise,
Fletch
Read with Discernment
Click to link directly to this post by Shaun GrovesUncle Jeff shared a link to Shaun Grove's blog post from a few weeks back. I can't shake it out of my thoughts. I definitely want a "Listen with Discernment" sticker for my forehead!
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Just give me a new law...
In Ephesians, Paul says we have been chosen to be "holy and blameless." We spend way more time worried about how to be blameless and way too little time working on what it means to be holy. Sermons abound on what to do or how to live. I cannot say it enough: "It's not what you do...it's what's been done for you."
Enough of my rant...enjoy the song!
A New Law, by Derek Webb - Lyrics
Don’t teach me about politics and government - Just tell me who to vote for
Don’t teach me about truth and beauty - Just label my music
Don’t teach me how to live like a free man - Just give me a new law
I don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
So just bring it down from the mountain to me
I want a new law
I want a new law
Gimme that new law
Don’t teach me about moderation and liberty - I prefer a shot of grape juice
Don’t teach me about loving my enemies
Don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit - Just give me a new law
What’s the use in trading a law you can never keep - For one you can that cannot get you anything
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
4 One One
In January of this year, we expanded to include several more young men and a few of their dads as we gathered in our kitchen twice a month. I also invited several guest speakers. These were more-seasoned men and they were invited to share their lives and experience with a table full of young men. These have been great nights, with topics ranging all over the map from evangelism to ministry to marriage...great information from great men!
As the school year began this year, we added a few more changes: First, we chose a new name. We always called ourselves the "Do Hard Things Group," but thought that was a mouthful.
So, we now call our group 4OneOne. This comes from a passage in 1Timothy 4:11, where Paul(an older man) instructs Timothy (a younger man) to "command and teach these things." Essentially, that is what I had been doing with these young men for the past few years. 4OneOne is also a place for the giving of Godly information: "Do you have questions? God has answers!"We also moved to a more central location in town, allowing more young men to take part in the discussions. We meet in Modesto near highway 99 and our current group stretches from Sacramento to Oakdale to Turlock.
Lastly, I have been incorporating more or my peers to take part in the instruction of these young guys. My current favorite is "Howie's Minutes" where a good friend of mine takes a few minutes to encourage these young men in the habits of gentlemen. Holding doors open for women, choosing wise words with mothers/sisters are just a few of the recent discussions he has led.
To help with the discussions, we have chosen to use books that cover the topics. Over the past few years we have read through:
"Do Hard Things" by Brett and Alex Harris
"Not Even a Hint" by Josh Harris
"The Measure of a Man" by Gene Getz
"Courage to Flee" by Jeff Klick
and now a look at 1Timothy Chapter 4.
If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of 4OneOne, you can have them email me at the address on the right sidebar.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
A Clarification...
After my previous post, a friend from church privately emailed me asking for clarification about what I wrote. I found that my response back was even more clear than the original post, but unfortunately shared only by the two of us.
Since then, we've gone back and forth a few more times and each time I think I've better clarified my original point for this reader. Although I left our interaction anonymous, I asked this person if they would mind if I included it here, because I thought it would be helpful to expand, clarify, and chronicle my original thoughts (permission was granted). You will note as you read our interaction that this person responded specifically in relationship to the church we attend, because we attend a Reformed Presbyterian church (like the church discussed in the Bayly Brothers Blog that I referenced in my post). Please don't get the idea that we are picking on our church, we only used it as a frame of reference for our discussion.
In this email, my friend went on to talk about families that come to our church from other churches that may or may not be reformed in their thinking. This person went on to clarify their position as it relates to families and even more specifically fathers...
In responding to his question, I acknowledged no fundamental difference between live-birth and adoption-based families; they should all be raised for the glory of God! However, I continued with this in my answer:
"I think what I clung to in the Bayly boys blog is an attitude of theological elitism. What I'm getting at is that I see the reformed church (in very general terms) lacking in gospel ministry to the world and being more excited about the reformation of already-Christians instead of the salvation of yet-to-be Christians.
I also see the reformed church (again, in very general terms) more concerned in one era/style of worship and in general looking at those from the non-reformed community as coming from churches "that don't get it" or "haven't arrived yet." A gross generalization, but it's a recurring theme."
The majority of our emails contained specific dialogue about our specific local congregation, so I'll spare you the boring details. However, at another point, this exchange did allow me the opportunity to clarify even further what I felt was at the heart of both the Bayly Brother's blog and my first post. Here is how I responded:
"Any Church USA" falls short when they preach a gospel that is based on external items rather than the cross of Jesus Christ. I call it "lifestyle evangelism." When someone either notices you as an individual or...sees your family and inquires in a positive way about why you are "different" than other people of faith. Within a few sentences, we should be able to turn that conversation to the cross of Jesus Christ.
With "lifestyle evangelism" the discussion goes to what we've done (our marriage, our family, our homeschooling, our dress, our behavior, and the list goes on). I think we would both challenge any efforts to evangelize others to "look/act/dress/behave like me" rather than "look/act/dress/behave like Christ."
How about Jesus? I believe He entered every area of culture. He addressed sin. He gave people hope. He gave them Himself. He addressed the religious elite regularly and accused them with sharp words of adding to the gospel of grace. Jesus came to save individual believers. He came to take away their sins and reconcile them to God. He did not come to make better families or create stronger fathers...If someone different looking/acting walked into our conservative church (i.e. red hair/tattoos), I think Jesus would accept them where they were. He'd allow the HS to address their sin and He would offer them hope.
In one of my final email responses, I went on to further clarify what I was trying to say by writing this to my friend:
"I hope we can agree that we need to minister to all, learn to relate to all, accept others right where they are and share the gospel of salvation...dwell on the core and not the peripheral...show them love...pretend that all we have to give others is Jesus and then give them Jesus! I hope we can encourage folks to love Jesus, to serve Jesus and to honor Jesus! I know we can agree that it is all about Jesus."
Hopefully my responses in this email diaglogue will clarify what resonated with me in the Bayly Brother's blog. I found that taking part in this email correspondence was helpful and I wish it had worked itself out in the comments section for more of you to participate. Hopefully, you can join in on the discussion now that I have included them here.
Lastly, I hope by now that most loyal readers of theMangoTimes would know that when I say "it's all about Jesus" that I'm not negating doctrine, theology or obedience to God in His Word. I hope you would know that when I say "Give them Jesus," I mean that phrase to be synonymous with "Give them the Gospel (alone!)" and "Tell them about the mercy of God (alone!)" and "Tell others what Jesus has done for them (alone!)". Instead of first welcoming folks into a "graduate" level of church, let's welcome them into loving Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for them!
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
It wasn't me, it was the Bayly Brothers!
For a while now, I've been talking about life from within the "Reformed camp." You see, after years of enjoying and feasting upon great God-centered doctrine, I've found myself stopping to take a look around. Face it, I don't care where you fall within the greater camp of Christianity, from high-church, to contemporary, to charismatic, to traditional...every one has weaknesses. Likewise, the Reformed tradition has blind spots and sometimes it serves us well to push our pride aside and look at our warts. Whether it's a disconnect from the marching orders given by Christ in the great commission or an arrogant snub to anything that might look or smell like contemporary Christian life (worship, discipleship, evangelism), I continue to reflect upon the tendency for the neo-Reformed folk to be an inward-focused and self-congratulatory bunch.
At the same time, if you are a friend of mine, you've heard me work through an idea that I've termed the "graduate church." I am referring to the effort made by many within Reformed congregations to present the Christian faith at an elevated cerebral level. In other words, Christ is understood, discussed, practiced, debated and worshipped at the "head level." What's missing is that "heart level" understanding of Jesus Christ. Through our own personal reformations to deeper understanding of the faith (or as I've heard it said, "when I finally arrived at a right understanding of God"), we lose the ability to understand, discuss, debate, and worship Christ at the "heart level." Long gone are discussions about a deep abiding love for Jesus and we dig our heels in as our worship even approaches anything emotional. Unfortunately, many new-comers to these congregations can get lost in translation, and these "graduate churches" are forced to grow not because of "new-believers," but they add to their membership with "already-believers."
Like I said at the beginning, this is one of those times when someone else has said it better...much better. I found the Bayly Brothers talking about "graduate church" too, but they'll probably get away with it. I'll just sit back and point my fingers over towards them and say "Yeah, what they said..." Click on their picture or FOLLOW THIS LINK to the Bayly Brothers blog and read what they have said about this topic...and then come back here and drop a comment if you want.Quietly making noise,
Fletch
On Cultural Morality
In his sermon from 2002, "The Deadly Dangers of Moralism," John MacArthur, Jr. emphasized at least a dozen points. I've been chewing on this one point for the past week, because in one short paragraph MacArthur reaches from the past to address many issues that I have been thinking about lately.
"Cultural morality is dangerous because it has no New Testament model to follow except the Pharisees. So if you're going to try to find a New Testament pattern for this effort, you're going to end up with the Pharisees. They were the moral ones. And you know what Jesus said about them? Matthew 23:15: He said when you are through making somebody a convert to your morality, you have made him "twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Wow. Wow. So if you're looking for a New Testament model for cultural morality, you're going to end up with Pharisees. They were legalistic. I don't know about you; I don't think I would be rejoicing to live in a Pharisaic-dominated society; dominated by the mandates of self-righteous, cruel, merciless legalists, who laid heavy burdens on people, right, and gave them no help to bear them, Jesus said. Jesus said to them one day as they picked up stones to stone an adulterous woman: Whoever is "without sin... throw the first stone." And stones started dropping. I don't know that I'd want to live in that kind of environment. There is no New Testament model for political action. Jesus didn't try to overthrow slavery; neither did Paul; neither did any of the Old Testament. Both Jesus and Paul, however, did say if you're a slave, be a good one, be a faithful one, be an honest one. Serve your master well; make wise investments; do it under the Lord, and God will reward you. And if you're in a harsh, difficult situation, you'll know His grace."
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Big Words from the Lone Star State
He's a perceptive guy and likes to call it like he sees it. This morning he had this to say on his blog (Equipping the Saints):
"Throughout Scripture we find that those weighed down by sin are shown overwhelming grace while the self-righteous and unremorseful sinful brethren are forcefully rebuked. Yet in our churches it is not uncommon to see sinners rejected (after all they might corrupt us and our children) and self-righteousness celebrated – is it possible that we’ve gotten things backwards?"
Pastor Dirk Russell
Love it Dirk! You could be a guest editor for theMangoTimes with straight-forward words like those, keep up the good work!
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Merry Christmas from theMangoTimes
Merry Christmas from theMangoTimes!
May the truth of His Advent change your life this year!
John Piper: The Gospel in 6 Minutes
It seems like I keep returning to the topic of the Good News! Can it ever get old? I don't think so.
Since it is so easy for us to become focused on ourselves and what we do (and by extension, how we do it), I love it when someone reminds me of what Christ has done! Last summer, I posted about lifestyle evangelism and one of my points was that believers should never grow weary of hearing the gospel preached. It needs to be preached regularly and faithfully, so that we can know it and then go and repeat it.
Here is John Piper and the Gospel in 6 minutes. Used by permission from Desiring God Ministries.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Western Theology, Brennan Manning
Hey guys,
I am including a long excerpt below from"Lion and Lamb - The relentless tenderness of Jesus", a book by Brennan Manning that I first read in 1995. I was drawn to Manning's discussion of Jesus most likely because it reminded me so much of Lewis' depiction of Christ as the great Aslan here:
“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”
“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.”
[C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (New York: Harper Trophy) 79-80]
This is what hooked me with Manning's book, he introduces both sides of Jesus. Lion of the tribe of Judah, certainly. The sacrificial Lamb of God, definitely. Both ends of the spectrum, like the tenderness and fierceness Lewis shows us with his Aslan. Lion and Lamb is a quick read, well-worn by me, and an easy one for you guys to find in my library.
In this book, he has a particularly good section that I return to again and again describing the behavior of the visible church. His discussion is set in the fictional world of the wild west. To save you the time it would take to find the book, I have included it for you below:
WESTERN THEOLOGY
“According to Wes Seeliger in his book Western Theology, there are two kinds of people, two visions of life. The first sees life as a possession to be carefully guarded. They are called Settlers. The second sees life as a wild, fantastic gift. They are called Pioneers.
These two types give rise to two kinds of theology: Settler Theology and Pioneer Theology. Settler Theology is an attempt to answer all the questions, define and housebreak some sort of Supreme Being, establish the status quo on golden tablets in cinemascope. Pioneer Theology is an attempt to talk about what it means to receive the strange gift of life. The Wild, Wild West is the setting for both theologies.
In Settler Theology, the Church convenes at the Courthouse. It is the center of town life. The old stone structure dominates the town square. Its windows are small, and this makes things dark inside. Within the courthouse walls, records are kept, taxes collected, and trials are held for the bad guys. The courthouse is the symbol of law, order, stability, and most importantly, security.
In Pioneer Theology, the Church moves in a Covered Wagon. It’s a house on wheels, always on the move. The Covered Wagon is where the pioneers eat, sleep, fight, love, live and die. It bears the marks of life and movement—it creaks, it’s scarred with arrows and bandaged with bailing wire. The Covered Wagon is where the action is. It moves toward the future, trying not to get bogged down in old ruts. The old Wagon isn’t comfortable, but the pioneers don’t seem to mind. They are more into adventure than comfort.
In Settler Theology, God is the Mayor. He is slick and fancy like a dude from back East. His office is on the top floor of the Courthouse. He looks out over the whole town, as his eagle eye ferrets out the smallest details of town life. No one actually sees him or gets close to him. He keeps his blinds drawn. But since there is order in the town, who can deny that he is really there? The Mayor is predictable and always on schedule. The Settlers fear the Mayor, but look to him to clear the payroll and keep things running. Peace and quiet are the Mayor’s main concerns, so he sends the Sheriff to check out any Pioneers who might ride into town.
In Pioneer Theology, God is the Trail Boss. He is rough and rugged, full of life. He chews tobacco, drinks straight whiskey. The Trail Boss lives, eats, sleeps, and fights with his people. Their well‑being is his concern. Without him, the Wagon wouldn’t move and living free would be impossible. The Trail Boss will get down in the mud with the Pioneers to help push the Wagon, which often gets stuck. He prods the Pioneers when they get soft and want to turn back. His fist is an expression of his concern.
In Settler Theology, Jesus is the Sheriff. He’s the guy who is sent by the Mayor to enforce the rules. He wears a white hat, drinks milk, outdraws the bad guys. The Sheriff decides who gets thrown in jail. There is a saying in town that goes: those who follow the rules and believe that the Sheriff is sent by the Mayor, they won’t stay in Boothill when it comes their time.
In Pioneer Theology, Jesus is the Scout. He rides out ahead of the Wagon to find out which way the Pioneers should go. The Scout faces all the dangers of the Trail and suffers every hardship. He is even attacked by the Indians. Through his words and actions he reveals the true intentions of the Trail Boss. By following the Scout, those on the Trail learn what it means to be a true Pioneer.
In Settler Theology, the Holy Spirit is the Saloon Girl. Her job is to comfort the Settlers. They come to her when they feel lonely or when life gets dull or dangerous. She tickles them under the chin and makes everything okay again. The Saloon Girls also squeals to the Sheriff whenever someone starts disturbing the peace.
In Pioneer Theology, the Holy Spirit is the Buffalo Hunter. He rides along with the Covered Wagon and furnishes fresh meat for the Pioneers. They would die without it (and him). The Buffalo Hunter is a strange character—sort of a wild man. The Pioneers never can tell what he’ll do next. He scares the hell out of the Settlers. He has a big, black gun that goes off like a cannon. He rides into town on Sunday morning to shake up the Settlers. You see, every Sunday morning, the Settlers have a little ice cream party in the Courthouse. With his gun in hand, the Buffalo Hunter sneaks up to one of the Courthouse windows. Then he fires a tremendous blast that rattles the whole Courthouse. Men jump out of their skin, women scream, dogs bark. Chuckling to himself, the Buffalo Hunter rides back to the Wagon Train shooting up the town as he goes.
In Settler Theology, the Pastor (the clergyman) is the Banker. Within his vault are locked the values of the town. He is a highly respected man. He has a gun, but keeps it hidden in his desk. He feels that he and the Sheriff have a lot in common. After all, they both protect the Bank.
In Pioneer Theology, the Pastor is the Cook! He doesn’t furnish the meat. He just dishes up what the Buffalo Hunter provides. This is how he supports the movement of the wagon. He sees himself as just another Pioneer who has learned to cook. The Cook’s job is to help the Pioneers pioneer. He doesn’t confuse his job with that of the Trail Boss, the Scout, or the Buffalo Hunter.
In Settler Theology, the Christian is the Settler. He fears the open, unknown frontier. His concern is to stay on good terms with the Mayor and keep out of the Sheriff’s Way. “Safety First” is his motto and the Courthouse is his symbol of security, peace, order, and happiness. He keeps his money in the bank. The Banker is his best friend. The Settler never misses an ice cream party.
In Pioneer Theology, Christians are Pioneers. They are persons of daring, hungry for new life. They ride hard, and know how to use a gun when necessary. The Pioneer feels sad for the Settlers and tries to tell them of the joy and fulfillment of life on the Trail. They die with their boots on.
In Settler Theology, Faith is trusting in the safety of the town; obeying the Law and keeping their noses clean; and believing the Mayor is up there in the Courthouse.
In Pioneer Theology, Faith is the spirit of adventure; the readiness to move out; the willingness to risk everything on the Trail. Faith is obedience to the restless voice of the Trail Boss.
In Settler Theology, Sin is breaking one of the Town’s ordinances.
In Pioneer Theology, Sin is wanting to turn back.
In Settler Theology, Salvation lies in living close to home and going to the Courthouse.
In Pioneer Theology, Salvation rests in being more afraid of a sterile life in Town, than of death on the Trail. Pioneers find joy in the thought of another day to push on into the unknown Wilderness. They realize their Salvation by trusting the Trail Boss and following his Scout, while living on the meat provided by the Buffalo Hunter.
The Settlers and the Pioneers portray in cowboy-movie language the People of the Law and the People of the Spirit. In the time of the historical Jesus, the guardians of the ecclesiastical setup, the scribes and the Pharisees and the Sadducees, had hunkered down in the Courthouse and enslaved themselves to the Law. This not only enhanced their prestige in society, it also gave them a sense of Security. Man fears the responsibility of being free. It is often easier to let others make the decisions or to rely up the letter of the Law. Some men want to be slaves.
[excerpted from The Lamb and The Lion by Brennan Manning, 1988, pgs. 23-27]
I realize this is a very allegorical look at theology and that we can only find true theology in God's Word. If you asked me to provide accurate analogies and definitions, as your father I would probably send you to the confessions, creeds and catechisms (how very Settler sounding ;-) ). With that said, I have always loved this discussion, so enjoy his depiction for what it is worth.
I have a few favorite parts that stand out to me, but I continue to enjoy the section about salvation. "Salvation rests in being more afraid of a sterile life in Town, than of death on the Trail." I can't help but think of Jesus' ministry and the calling of the disciples to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). You boys have been called to live life out on the trail or as I've said in the "market place" (which so often coincides with popular culture).
"Pioneers find joy in the thought of another day to push on into the unknown Wilderness...by trusting the Trail Boss and following his Scout, while living on the meat provided by the Buffalo Hunter." I said this in my last letter, but everything we do is on behalf of the Gospel and in light of God’s truth. You are reliant upon God's Word and remember that you live to please an audience of one!
In a few more days I will follow up with a discussion about life as a "settler." One thing mom and I have noticed is that many people live in fear of the trail, in fear of the unknown, because the comfort of the settlement is easy and safe. Until then, remember that no one said living out your faith would be safe.
Love you, Dad
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
A quick note to the young men at my table...
"Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought-forms of that setting."
Francis Schaeffer
Hey guys,
It seems like most of the discussions around our table lately continue to focus upon how we should interact with the world/our culture. Whether it is concerns you've raised or something I've published in theMangoTimes or even some of the challenging sermons that continue to raise the topic, it seems as though this discussion has been pieced together through many conversations over the past year.
I've chronicled a few thoughts here on theMT about interactions with culture and several readers have suggested that I include more postings on this same topic. Mom and I have enjoyed the discussions we've shared around our own table with you guys. We enjoy hearing your perspective and understanding of God's word as they have added to the discussion about how we fulfill our roles as ambassadors for Christ. I would like to include some of our thoughts here on theMangoTimes. As we continue to encourage one another to understand the world, let us remember that we ALWAYS do this on behalf of the furtherance of the Gospel and in light of God's truth.
I have included a Francis Schaeffer quote at the top of this post that I recently stumbled upon. This quote triggered in me a few thoughts. I'm not sure when Schaeffer said this, but I will assume it was the 1960's or 1970's. It has since been more than thirty years and the terms, language and thought-forms that he suggests have again changed. Let me encourage you guys to not avoid the opportunity God has given you. Do not be afraid to take the Good News into the world, that is where it is needed most. I remind you guys over and over that the gospel is very easy, but let me encourage you to find where the conversations are taking place. Join those conversations, and learn how to take the good news of the kingdom into those places. Don't live in fear of man, but live in the fear of God which will lead you to wisdom.
One warning: Don't be surprised if you are criticized. I have found that when I choose to share a meal with "tax collectors and wine-bibbers" there are plenty of skeptics that feed themselves on their own assumptions. Let me remind you that Jesus spent plenty of time in the temple and a lot more time on the road and in the houses of both pharisees and followers. His life was uncomfortable and unsafe. More often than not He received sharp rebukes. Remember, while Jesus did sit, eat and lounge with many people His ministry was not to partake. He was the one bringing the bread that satisifies and He was the one bringing the water that quenches thirst.
We love you guys and love how you keep your faith in Christ real! We pray that you will continue to see how Christianity is relevant to every aspect of life.
Quietly Making Noise,
Fletch
Good News
We live in an age where words and definitions are twisted. Calling oneself a Christian or an evangelical or a fundamentalist can unpack a truckload of definitions and baggage. Here at theMangoTimes we often speak of "the gospel." Unfortunately, even a simple term like "the gospel" has been beaten up by so many, that the word itself has lost some definition.The first four books of the New Testament?...those are called the gospels. Is that what I am referring to on theMT when I say "the gospel?"
The life of Christ is also often referred to as the gospel. Is that what I mean? The life of Christ?
For the purpose of theMangoTimes, I want to define what it means when I refer to the gospel or quite literally the good news!
The Bad News
If the gospel (God's story) can begin to be defined as the good news, what then is the "bad news." Scripturally, God defines the bad news in the third chapter of the book of Romans. It is in this passage where the apostle Paul discusses our current state.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God"
Simply put, Paul says that we are all sinners and we fall short of God's standard: His glory. It's not even good enough to say that we are ambivalent to God, because elsewhere the Bible describes us as enemies of God. Whether we believe it or acknowledge it, the Bible says that we are engaged in active resistance to God and His will.
The Really Bad News
As if being in active rebellion to God as a sinner is not enough, God declares what we will earn for our rebellion. Again, in the book of Romans, God shows us where our sin will lead us.
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin are death, but the gift of life is eternal life in Christ Jesus."
If we remain in our sin, if we remain separated from God, as an enemy of God, it will lead us only one place: death! The Bible goes on to say that this is an eternal separation from God and His involvement in our lives.
The Beginning of the Good News
The best thing about the gospel is that it is begins and ends with God and His grace. Even better is that God makes the first move. In the fifth chapter of Romans, the Bible says this:
Romans 5:8 "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
He didn't wait for us to clean up our lives or deal with our own sin. It says that in loving us, God sent His son to die for us.
Our Response to the Good News
While we were sinners and separated from God, He moves to save us through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of His son Jesus Christ to redeem us for our sins. That is more than good news, that is great news! Yet, it may cause some to assume they are puppets on some cosmic string. Not the case at all. God is looking for a response.
Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Jesus Christ is not just a savior, but Lord. Therefore He expects us to acknowledge Him as such.
How Then Shall We Live?
In a few short paragraphs, I've shown how the bad news becomes good news. I've shown how a life apart from God and pointed to death can be a life unto God that points to salvation. The remaining question is simple: What do we do with our lives once they have been redeemed back to God? Keeping in the book of Romans, Paul answers that very question.
Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This verse is clear. "In view of God's mercy," or "because of what God has done," therefore do these things. Notice again, we do these things as a direct result of what God has already done for us.
I can't make it any easier than these verses. The gospel is clear. The good news is that we were sinners and God saved us through the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We need to turn to Him through confession and repentance for salvation. Simple. Gracious. Merciful. Yet, this will be a stumbling block for many who hear this message. It's my hope that this post contained words of life for you.
Quietly Making Noise,
Fletch
Avast ye scurvy scum...it's time for TLAP Day
Ahoy maties...for those looking for a celebration of nonsense...join the editor and staff of theMangoTimes for another grand celebration of "Talk Like A Pirate" Day. That's right...this Wednesday (every sept 19th) you get to shiver yer timbers, drink ye grog, and swab the poop deck. No major plans yet for the cast and crew of theMangoTimes, I'm not sure if my wife is 100% behind my celebration this year...I know that my dental staff dreads this day (how many times can you hear "open your cannon hole, I need to pack yer skull with lead" or "Stay still while this fine lass swabs yer teeth clean"). Actually, what's not to like? Sailing, cannons, rum, the Caribbean...sounds like a vacation in Mangoland to me...I'll try to take any photos, but I would love to hear your plans for celebrating this year...that is, of course, if you are one who celebrates...
Quietly making noise...
Fletch
The "Letter to the Editor" I did not send...
Anyhow, I wanted to write a letter to the editor, but after some coaxing from my wife I decided to not send it. She pointed out that this could be one of those issues that people are highly opinionated about, and my opinion could be viewed as simply too offensive and heartless. But, I needed to vent on this issue, so I am including my letter to the editor here...where I don't always say the most popular things. Here it is below:
"Dear Editors,
I realize that I am probably in the minority on this one, but I could not disagree more with Mr. Bultena's article (8/31/07) and his fondness for roadside memorials. Don't get me wrong, I think remembering the dead and having memorials can be all well and good. I also have no big issue with remembering the spot where a traffic accident occurred. It is possible that this will even cause others to drive safely. I'm even fine with the cross, the candles, the flowers and the teddy bears, but does it need to remain there forever?
Our community has a place to remember the dead. It's called a cemetery or a memorial garden. I realize other cultures are very happy to build well tended death shrines and even visit that spot daily. In my opinion, these ongoing shrines (complete with candles, flowers, photos and teddybears) need to find their way into a cemetery and off our commuting roadways."
Quietly making noise,
Fletch